In the surroundings

Heading for Saint-Malo: between ramparts, sea spray... and well-deserved crêpes!

A stone’s throw from Les Étangs à la Richardais campsite, head for Saint-Malo (8 km from the campsite), the pirate city that has more character than a yellow raincoat on a stormy day! Start by strolling through the cobbled streets within the city walls, then climb up to the ramparts for panoramic views of the sea, beaches and open sea. It’s a feast for the eyes! Then set foot on the sand at Le Sillon, the legendary beach where you plan to go for a 10-minute stroll and end up staying for an hour (such is the power of the sea air). At low tide, treat yourself to a little adventure on foot to the islets (Grand Bé, Petit Bé): cross over, explore, admire… but keep an eye on the time, because the ocean waits for no one… Take a break to enjoy some culture and heritage between ice creams, stopping at Saint-Vincent Cathedral and the castle, then finish up at the port or on a terrace in the lively evening atmosphere, when Saint-Malo lights up! And why not try a local crêpe…

In Saint-Malo, depending on the season and conditions, you can try your hand at sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or even take a trip out to sea to see the ramparts from the water (spoiler: it’s even more beautiful). And for thrill seekers, there are often water sports activities to be found!

Rainy day? Here’s a great idea for an outing that will delight the whole family (even though Brittany is charming in rainy weather). Head to the Grand Aquarium in Saint-Malo. Here you can discover a variety of marine species, enjoy a fun and educational tour, and have a great time whatever your age: sharks, turtles and more are on the programme. To add a touch of adventure, the aquarium also offers experiences and attractions at the end of the visit, including the Expedition Nautibus (yes, a submersible: to feel like Jacques Cousteau).

Discover Dinard & the Emerald Coast: chic villas, hidden coves and wonder

Welcome to Dinard: a seaside resort that exudes coastal elegance, with beautiful Belle Époque villas, manicured gardens and a chic holiday atmosphere. Start with the Promenade du Clair de Lune, perfect for a stroll at sunset (and to justify a second ice cream, it’s scientific), then head to iconic beaches such as L’Écluse or Saint-Énogat to enjoy a refreshing swim… or at least a breath of fresh sea air. Next, head for the Côte d’Émeraude: a succession of coves, rocky headlands and panoramic views that make you want to stop every 200 metres to admire the scenery. Don’t miss the coastal path, where you can walk to the rhythm of the waves, gaze at the green-tinged water (when the light hits it) and have fun spotting Saint-Malo in the distance, waving hello. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, your camera and your eyes, ready to marvel at the surrounding landscapes. And on the Emerald Coast, when you feel the call of the sea, there’s something for everyone: paddleboarding to glide peacefully along the coves, sea kayaking to explore between the rocky headlands, sailing to catch the wind (literally), not to mention swimming and boat trips to admire the coast from the water. There’s always something for beginners to try, depending on the spot and the weather: here, we watch the sea… and it always ends up calling us!

Charming villages not to be missed around La Richardais: picturesque streets and fine dining

Around La Richardais, there are plenty of charming little villages to explore (the kind where every alleyway makes you want to slow down and say, ‘Come on, let’s stop for five minutes’… and then spend the afternoon there). For your first stop, head to Saint-Suliac (13 km from the campsite), nestled on the banks of the Rance River and listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. It ticks all the boxes: pretty stone houses, small flower-filled streets and views that are well worth a photo break. For your second stop, take the road to Dol-de-Bretagne, 29 km from the campsite (the name probably rings a bell), which plays the medieval card: a charming old town centre, an impressive cathedral and the perfect atmosphere for strolling between heritage sites and gourmet shop windows. And if you like detours that are worth the trip, don’t miss the quiet little ports, local markets and panoramic views of the estuary… in short, we think Brittany knows very well how to make you want to extend your trip. And because the sea air makes you hungry, stop for a gourmet break in one of the local restaurants!

La Pointe du Grouin: a breath of fresh air and panoramic views

To recharge your batteries in the heart of nature (because we love nature too), La Pointe du Grouin, near Cancale, 27 km from the campsite, offers a spectacular glimpse of the Emerald Coast, with its cliffs, moors, sea spray and breathtaking panoramas. From the footpaths, you can enjoy incredible views of the bay, with the horizon stretching out before you and, in good weather, a glimpse of Mont-Saint-Michel (yes, the real one, the one on the postcards!). It’s the perfect place to stroll along the coastal path, take the time to watch the seabirds and enjoy a break with the wind in your hair. And as is often the case here, the programme is simple: walk, breathe, admire… and already start thinking about the next time you’ll be back.

A lively harbour, sea air walks and picture-postcard views: welcome to Cancale!

Cancale, 23 km from the campsite, is the kind of place where you arrive just to ‘take a look’ and end up staying for the atmosphere: a lively harbour, panoramic sea views and that feeling of being at the end of the world that makes you want to walk along the water’s edge without watching the time. Start at the Port de la Houle, the perfect place to stroll along the quays, watch the boats and take a break by the sea (and of course, stop to sample the local specialities). Next, head to the oyster market, the star attraction of the area: simple, authentic and a real treat for the taste buds! And if you haven’t been there yet, don’t miss a stop at Pointe du Grouin for even more spectacular views…

Walks around the Rance and Richardais: peaceful trails, panoramic views... Ille-et-Vilaine at its most beautiful

For those who enjoy walking and taking in iconic landscapes: you’ve come to the right place! Around La Richardais, Dinan and throughout the Rance Valley, discover paths along the water’s edge, peaceful woodlands, views of the meandering river… and endless picture-postcard views to fill your camera. To help you on your way, here are a few ideas for day-long nature walks to enjoy with the family.

For your first excursion, venture from the campsite to Dinard (5 km) along the banks of the Rance. Between paths and quiet little roads – 1½ to 2½ hours of walking in the open air, suitable for all levels.For another hiking idea, we suggest a short loop called ‘Rance tranquille’ around Le Minihic-sur-Rance, along small roads and paths overlooking the Rance, inland (2 to 3 hours and suitable for all levels). To combine picturesque visits with a walk, take the time to visit Dinan, from the historic centre to the port (heritage and river loop). Walks between the ramparts and along the water’s edge up through the old town (1½ to 2½ hours, suitable for all levels). Not forgetting a little gourmet break! From Dinan, you can also take the Rance towpath to Léhon and improvise a little picnic (2 to 3 hours round trip, ideal for families). In Léhon, a nature loop offers small paths and the banks of the Rance for a quiet to moderate walk between the village and the great outdoors (2 to 3 hours).

A short trip to Côtes-d'Armor: cliffs, fresh air and a seaside break

From the campsite, we suggest you explore the neighbouring department and organise a day trip to Côtes-d’Armor: leave the Emerald Coast behind, leave the Rance behind… and enjoy a change of scenery without really changing the atmosphere. Here, Brittany retains its character, but is tinged with pink cliffs, quiet little ports and panoramic views that make you want to walk ‘just to the next bend’. You probably won’t have time to see everything, but we’ve put together a short list of the spots you shouldn’t miss… In the morning, head for Cap Fréhel & Fort La Latte (wild coast + impressive views). Start with Cap Fréhel: easy trails, moors, sea as far as the eye can see and incredible light when the weather is fine (and even when it’s not quite so fine, for that matter). Continue on to Fort La Latte (a few minutes away): a real adventure novel setting, facing the sea. For lunch, take a break by the sea at Sables-d’Or-les-Pins (or Erquy): a large beach and a peaceful seaside resort atmosphere, perfect for eating overlooking the water.In the afternoon, head to Erquy: a pretty harbour and stunning views. Take a stroll around Erquy harbour, then head to a coastal viewpoint.If you still have energy left, take a walk along the coastal path to admire the coves and cliffs.And finally, to end this exciting day, we suggest a gentle return trip through a village or a sunset, and enjoy a snack while watching the sun go down!

Mont Saint-Michel: a marvel between sky, sea and breathtaking panoramas

Did you think we would let you leave without taking the opportunity to admire Mont Saint-Michel?Located about 45 minutes away by car, it is one of those places that impresses you even before you get there: set in the middle of the bay, it appears in the distance as an almost unreal silhouette, seeming to link the sky and the sea. As you get closer, you quickly understand why it is so fascinating: a majestic abbey perched at the top, narrow streets winding between old stones, and the feeling of being immersed in the past. The walk is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the views: from the ramparts and the heights, the bay stretches as far as the eye can see, changing with the light and the tides. And then there’s the detail that makes this place so magical: here, the landscape is never the same twice. You come, you admire, you let yourself be surprised… and you leave with stars in your eyes, not forgetting to brag to your colleagues when you return from holiday and tick it off your list of must-see monuments. So, shall we hit the road?